Chiral diphosphorus compounds and their transition metal complexes

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to chiral diphosphorus compounds and their transition metal complexes, to a process for preparing chiral diphosphorus compounds and their transition metal complexes and also to their use in asymmetric syntheses.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/643,552 filed on Aug. 19, 2003, entitled “Chiral Diphosphorus Compounds and their Transition Metal Complexes,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to chiral diphosphorus compounds and their transition metal complexes, to a process for preparing chiral diphosphorus compounds and their transition metal complexes and also to their use in asymmetric syntheses.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Enantiomerically enriched chiral compounds are valuable starting substances for preparing agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Asymmetric catalysis for the synthesis of such enantiomerically enriched chiral compounds has gained great industrial significance.

The multitude of publications in the field of asymmetric synthesis shows clearly that transition metal complexes of diphosphorus compounds are particularly suitable as catalysts in asymmetric reactions. In particular, transition metal complexes of diphosphorus compounds have found use in industrial processes as catalysts in asymmetric hydrogenations of C═O, C═N and C═C bonds, hydrocyanations and hydroformylations.

For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,175,335; Rajan Babu, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1996, 118, 6325-6326 and Rajan Babu, J. Org. Chem., 1997, 62, 6012-6028 disclose the use of enantiomerically enriched 1,6-substituted 3,4-(bisphosphinito)tetrahydrofurans and their transition metal complexes for asymmetric hydrocyanations and hydrogenations.

The use of the enantiomerically enriched 3,4-(bisphosphino) tetrahydrofurans and their transition metal complexes in asymmetric hydrogenations is also disclosed by EP-A 885 897 and A. Terfort, Synthesis, 1992, 10, 951-953. Enantiomerically enriched 3,4-(bisphosphito)tetrahydrofurans are described, for example, in W. R. Jackson, Aust. J. Chem., 1982, 35, 2069-2075 and, 3,4-(phosphinophosphito)tetrahydrofurans in A. Kiess, Tetrahedron: Asymmetry, 1996, 7, 33-36.

The disadvantage of all of the enantiomerically enriched 3,4-(diphosphorus)-tetrahydrofurans mentioned is that steric and electronic variation of the central tetrahydrofuran framework, which is necessary for precise optimization and adaptation of the ligand and therefore of the catalyst for a given substrate, is only possible to a very limited extent and by numerous, complex synthetic steps. These disadvantages make industrial utilisation of such ligands and the catalysts preparable therefrom uneconomic.

There is therefore a need to develop a ligand system whose steric and electronic properties can be easily varied, and whose transition metal complexes as catalysts in asymmetric synthesis, in particular asymmetric hydrogenations, enable not only high enantioselectivity but also high conversion rates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Diphosphorus compounds of the formula (I) have now been found

where

-   -   *1, *2, *3 and *4 are each independently a stereogenic carbon         atom which is in the R- or S-configuration,     -   X¹ and X² are each independently absent or are oxygen and     -   R¹ and R² may each independently be: hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀-alkyl,         C₁-C₂₀-fluoroalkyl, C₂-C₂₀-alkenyl, C₄-C₂₄-aryl,         C₅-C₂₅-arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₆-arylalkenyl or NR⁷R⁸, OR⁸,         -(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-OR⁸, -(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-NR⁷R⁸ or —O₂CR⁸     -   where R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently C₁-C₈-alkyl,         C₅-C₁₅-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₄-aryl, or R⁷ and R⁸ together are a         cyclic amino radical having a total of 4 to 20 carbon atoms,     -   or R¹ and R² are each independently radicals of the formula (II)         —R⁹—SiR¹⁰R¹¹R¹²   (II)         where     -   R⁹ is absent, or is oxygen or methylene and     -   R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently C₁-C₁₂-alkyl,         C₅-C₁₅-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₄-aryl and     -   R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently R¹³, OR¹⁴ or NR¹⁵R¹⁶         where R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are each independently C₁-C₁₂-alkyl,         C₅-C₁₅-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₄-aryl, or NR¹⁵R¹ together is a cyclic         amino radical having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, or R³ and R⁴ and/or         R⁵ and R⁶ in each case together are —O—R¹⁷—O— where R¹⁷ is a         radical selected from the group of C₂-C₄-alkylene,         1,2-phenylene, 1,3-phenylene, 1,2-cyclohexylene,         1,1′-ferrocenylene, 1,2-ferrocenylene,         2,2′-(1,1′-binaphthylene), 2,2′-(1,1′)-biphenylene and         1,1′-(diphenyl-2,2′-methylene)-diyl, and the radicals mentioned         may optionally be mono- or polysubstituted by radicals selected         from the group of fluorine, chlorine, C₁-C₈-alkoxy and         C₁-C₈-alkyl.

For the purposes of the invention, all radical definitions, parameters and illustrations mentioned hereinabove and hereinbelow, generally or in areas of preference, i.e. the particular areas and areas of preference, may be combined as desired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Alkyl, alkylene, alkoxy and alkenyl are in each case independently a straight-chain, cyclic, branched or unbranched alkyl, alkylene, alkoxy and alkenyl radical respectively. The same applies to the nonaromatic moiety of an arylalkyl radical.

C₁-C₄-Alkyl is, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl, C₁-C₈-alkyl is additionally, for example, n-pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, neopentyl, 1-ethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, n-hexyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethyl-butyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-propyl, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl, n-heptyl and n-octyl, C₁-C₁₂-alkyl is further additionally, for example, adamantyl, the isomeric menthyls, n-nonyl, n-decyl and n-dodecyl, and C₁-C₂₀-alkyl is still further additionally, for example, n-hexadecyl and n-octadecyl.

C₁-C₈-Alkoxy is, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy and tert-butoxy, n-pentoxy, 1-methylbutoxy, 2-methylbutoxy, 3-methylbutoxy, neopentoxy, 1-ethylpropoxy, cyclo-hexoxy, cyclopentoxy, n-hexoxy and n-octoxy, and C₁-C₁₂-alkoxy is further additionally, for example, adamantoxy, the isomeric menthoxy radicals, n-decoxy and n-dodecoxy.

C₂-C₂₀-Alkenyl is, for example, vinyl, 1-propenyl, isopropenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 2-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, 3-methyl-1-butenyl, 1-hexenyl, 1-heptenyl, 1-octenyl or 2-octenyl.

Fluoroalkyl is in each case independently a straight-chain, cyclic, branched or unbranched alkyl radical which is singly, multiply or fully substituted by fluorine atoms.

C₁-C₂₀-fluoroalkyl is, for example, trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, nonafluorobutyl, perfluorooctyl, perfluorododecyl and perfluorohexadecyl.

Aryl is in each case independently a heteroaromatic radical having 5 to 18 framework carbon atoms of which no, one, two or three framework carbon atoms per cycle, but at least one framework carbon atom in the entire molecule, may be substituted by heteroatoms selected from the group of nitrogen, sulphur or oxygen, but is preferably a carbocyclic aromatic radical having 6 to 18 framework carbon atoms.

Examples of carbocyclic aromatic radicals having 6 to 18 framework carbon atoms are phenyl, naphtyl, phenanthrenyl, anthracenyl or fluorenyl, and heteroaromatic radicals having 5 to 18 framework carbon atoms on which no, one, two or three framework carbon atoms per cycle, but at least one framework carbon atom in the entire molecule, may be substituted by heteroatoms selected from the group of nitrogen, sulphur or oxygen are, for example, pyridinyl, oxazolyl, benzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl or quinolinyl.

The carbocyclic aromatic radical or heteroaromatic radical may also be substituted by up to five identical or different substituents per cycle which are selected from the group of chlorine, fluorine, C₁-C₁₂-alkyl, C₁-C₁₂fluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂-alkoxy, di(C₁-C₈-alkyl)amino, COO(C₁-C₈-alkyl), CON(C₁-C₈-alkyl)₂, COO(C₁-C₈-arylalkyl), COO(C₄-C₁₄-aryl), CO(C₁-C₈-alkyl), C₅-C₁₅-arylalkyl or tri(C₁-C₆-alkyl)siloxyl.

The same applies to aryloxy radicals.

Arylalkyl is in each case independently a straight-chain, cyclic, branched or unbranched alkyl radical which may be singly, multiply or fully substituted by aryl radicals as defined above.

C₅-C₂₅-Arylalkyl is, for example, benzyl, diphenylbenzyl, triphenylbenzyl (trityl), 1-phenylethyl, 1-phenylpropyl, 2-phenylpropyl, 1-phenyl-1-methylethyl, 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-phenylbutyl, 1-phenyl-1-methylpropyl, 1-phenyl-2-methylpropyl, phenyl-1, 1-di-methylethyl, 1-,2-,3-,4- or 5-phenylpentyl, phenyl-1-methylbutyl, phenyl-2-methylbutyl, phenyl-3-methylbutyl, phenyl-2,2-dimethylpropyl, phenyl-1-ethylpropyl, 1-naphthylmethyl, 1-naphthyl-ethyl, naphthyl-1-methylethyl, naphthylbutyl, naphthyl-1-methylpropyl, naphthyl-2-methylpropyl, naphthyl-1,1-dimethylethyl, naphthylpentyl, naphthyl-1-methylbutyl, naphthyl-2-methylbutyl, naphthyl-3-methylbutyl, naphthyl-2,2-dimethylpropyl or naphthyl-1-ethylpropyl, and also their isomeric or stereoisomeric forms.

Arylalkenyl is in each case independently a straight-chain, cyclic, branched or unbranched alkenyl radical which may be singly, multiply or fully substituted by aryl radicals as defined above. C₆-C₂₆-Arylalkenyl is, for example, 1-phenylvinyl or 2-phenylvinyl.

The preferred substitution patterns or compounds of the formula (I) are defined hereinbelow:

-   -   *¹,*²,³,*⁴ together define the following stereoisomers of the         central substituted furan ring:     -   (1R,2R,3R,4R), (1R,2R,3R,4S), (1R,2R.,3S,4S), (1R,2S,3S,4S),         (1R,2S,3R,4S), (1R,2S,3S,4R), (1R,2R,3S,4R), (1S,2S,3R,4S),         (1S,2S,3S,4S), (1S,2S,3S,4R), (1S,2S,3R,4R), (1S,2R,3R,4R),         (1S,2R,3S,4R), (1S,2R,3R,4S), (1S,2S,3R,4S), (1R,2R,3S,4R),         preferably (1R,2R,3R,4R), (1R,2R,3R,4S), (1R,2S,3S,4S),         (1R,2S,3S,4R), (1R,2R,3S,4R), (1S,2S,3R,4S), (1S,2S,3S,4S),         (1S,2S,3S,4R), (1S,2R,3R,4R), (1S,2R,3R,4S), (1S,2S,3R,4S),         (1R,2R,3S,4R).     -   R¹ and R² are preferably each independently hydrogen,         C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₄-C₁₄-aryl, O—R⁸, O₂C—R^(3,) where R⁸ is         preferably C₁-C₁₂-alkyl, C₅-C₂₅-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₄-aryl, or         OSiR¹⁰OR¹¹R¹², where R¹⁰, R¹¹, and R¹² are preferably each         independently C₁-C₁₂-alkyl or C₄-C₁₄-aryl.     -   R¹ and R² are more preferably each independently hydrogen,         tert-butoxy, trityloxy, tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy,         tert-butyldiphenylsilyloxy, trimethylsilyloxy, triethylsilyloxy,         triisopropylsilyloxy, neopentoxy or 1-adamantoxy.

For the purposes of the invention, preference is in each case given to those compounds of the formula (I) in which R¹ and R² are identical.

-   -   R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are preferably each independently R¹³, OR¹⁴ or         NR¹⁵R¹⁶ where R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are each independently         C₁-C₁₂-alkyl or C₄-C₁₄-aryl, or NR¹⁵R¹⁶ together is a cyclic         amino radical having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, for example         pyrrolidinyl or piperidinyl, or R³ and R⁴ and/or R⁵ and R⁶         together are each —O—R¹⁷—O— where R¹⁷ is ethylene,         1,2-phenylene, 1,3-phenylene, 1,2-cyclohexylene, 1,1         ′-ferrocenylene, 1,2-ferrocenylene, di- or         tetra-C₁-C₈-alkyl-substituted         1,1′-(diphenyl-2,2′-methylene)-diyl, 2,2′-(1,1′-binaphthylene)         or 2,2′-(1,1′)-biphenylene, and 2,2′-(1,1′-binaphthylene) or         2,2′-(1,1′)-biphenylene is substituted at least in the         6,6′-position by radicals selected from the group of         C₁-C₈-alkoxy and C₁-C₈-alkyl, and may also be substituted in the         5,5′-, 4,4′-, 3,3′- or 2,2′-position by radicals selected from         the group of fluorine, chlorine, C₁-C₈-alkoxy and C₁-C₈-alkyl.     -   R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are more preferably each independently R¹³,         OR¹⁴ or NR¹⁵R¹⁶, where R¹³ and R¹⁴ are each independently         methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, cyclohexyl,         phenyl, 2-(C₁-C₈)-alkylphenyl such as o-tolyl,         3-(C₁-C₈)-alkylphenyl such as m-tolyl, 4-(C₁-C₈)-alkylphenyl         such as p-tolyl, 2,6-di-(C₁-C₈)-alkylphenyl such as         2,6-dimethylphenyl, 2,4-di-(C₁-C₈)-alkylphenyl such as         2,4-dimethylphenyl, 3,5-di-(C₁-C₈)-alkylphenyl such as         3,5-dimethylphenyl, 3,4,5-tri-(C₁-C₈)-alkylphenyl such as         mesityl and isityl, 2-(C₁-C₈)-alkoxyphenyl such as o-anisyl and         o-phenetyl, 3-(C₁-C₈)-alkoxyphenyl such as m-anisyl and         m-phenetyl, 4-(C₁-C₈)-alkoxyphenyl such as p-anisyl and         p-phenetyl, 2,4-di-(C₁-C₈)-alkoxyphenyl such as         2,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,6-di-(C₁-C₈)-alkoxyphenyl such as         2,6-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,5-di-(C₁-C₈)-alkoxyphenyl such as         3,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-tri-(C₁-C₈)-alkoxyphenyl such as         3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 3,5-dialkyl-4-(C₁-C₈)-alkoxyphenyl such         as 3,5-dimethyl-4-anisyl,         3,5-(C₁-C₈)-dialkyl-4-di-(C₁-C₈)-alkylaminophenyl,         3,5-dimethyl-4-dimethylamino-phenyl,         4-di-(C₁-C₈)-alkylaminophenyl such as 4-diethylaminophenyl and         4-dimethylaminophenyl, 3,5-bis-[(C₁-C₄)-fluoroalkyl]phenyl such         as 3,5-bis-trifluoromethylphenyl,         2,4-bis-[(C₁-C₄)-fluoroalkyl]phenyl such as         2,4-bis-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-[(C₁-C₄)-fluoroalkyl]phenyl         such as 4-trifluoromethylphenyl and mono-, di-, tri-, tetra- or         penta-fluorine- and/or -chlorine-substituted phenyl, fluorenyl         or naphthyl, such as 4-fluorophenyl and 4-chlorophenyl, or         NR¹⁵R¹⁶ as a whole is dimethylamino, diethylamino, pyrrolidino         or diisopropylamino. R³ and R⁴ and/or R⁵ and R⁶, each in pairs,         are also more preferably O—R¹⁷—O where R¹⁷ is 1,1         ′-bis-(4,6-di-(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-phenyl)-2,2′-methylene)-diyl, in         particular         1,1′-bis-(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenyl-2,2′-methylene)-diyl and         1,1         ′-bis-(4-methyl-6-(1-methylcyclohexyl)-phenyl-2,2′-methylene)-diyl,         or where R¹⁷ is (R)-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl,         (S)-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl, (R)-1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diyl,         (S)-1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diyl, 1,1         ′-[bis-(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenyl)-2,2′-methylene)]-diyl or         1,1         ′-[bis-(4-methyl-6-(1-methylcyclohexyl)-2,2′-methylene)]-diyl.

For the purposes of the invention, preference is given in each case to those compounds of the formula (I) in which R³ and R⁴ and/or R⁵ and R⁶ in pairs are identical.

Particularly preferred compounds of the formula (I) are those of the formulae (Ia) to (Ii)

where *¹,*²,*³,*⁴, R¹, R², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ each have the definition and areas of preference specified under formula (I).

Compounds of the formula (I) include:

-   2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(triphenylmethyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol,     2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-dideoxy-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol,     2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol,     2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(triphenylmethyl)-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol,     2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol,     2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-dideoxy-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol,     2,3-bis-O-(di(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol,     2,3-bis-O-(di((4-Trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol,     2-O-(di(2,4-dimethyl-phenyl)phosphino)-3-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenyl-silyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol,     2-O-(di(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphino)-3-O-(4,8-ditert-butyl-2,10-dimethyl-12H-dibenzo[δ,γ][1,3,2]dioxaphosphocino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol     and     2-O-(di(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-phosphino)-3-O-(2,10-dimethyl-4,8-bis(1-methylcyclo-hexyl)-12H-dibenzo[δ,γ]-[1,3,2]dioxaphosphocino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol.

For the purposes of the invention, the term stereoisomerically enriched includes in particular stereoisomerically pure compounds or else mixtures of stereoisomeric compounds in which one stereoisomer is present in a larger relative proportion than the other stereoisomer or stereoisomers, preferably in a relative proportion of 50 to 100 mol %, more preferably 90 to 100 mol % and most preferably 98 to 100 mol %.

The compounds of the formula (I) and (Ia) to (Ii) can be prepared starting from the known 2,5-anhydrocyclopentoses of the formula (III).

2,5-anhydrocyclopentoses of the formula (III) are, for example: 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol, 2,5-anhydro-L-mannitol, 2,5-anhydro-L-iditol, 2,5-anhydro-D-iditol, 2,5-anhydro-L-glucitol, 2,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, 2,5-anhydro-altritol, 2,5-anhydro-D-altritol, 2,5-anhydro-galactitol, 2,5-anhydro-allitol.

Preferred compounds of the general formula (III) are: 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol and 2,5-anhydro-L-iditol. For the purposes of the present invention, preference is given in particular to those compounds of the formula (I) which are obtainable starting from 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol and 2,5-anhydro-L-iditol by the methods described hereinbelow.

The compounds of the formula (III) can be converted by reacting with compounds of the formula (IV) R¹⁸-Hal   (IV) where

-   -   R¹⁸ is R⁸, R⁸CO or OSiR¹⁰R¹¹R¹² and where R⁸, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹²         each have the definition and areas of preference specified         under (I) or R¹⁸ is R¹⁹—SO₂— where R¹⁹ is C₁-C₁₂-alkyl,         C₁-C₁₂-fluoroalkyl, C₅-C₂₅-arylalkyl or C₄-C₂₄-aryl and     -   Hal is chlorine, bromine or iodine     -   to compounds of the formula (V)     -   where R¹⁸ is in each case independently as defined under formula         (IV).

Compounds of the formula (V) where R¹⁸ is R¹⁹SO₂— can also be converted by reacting with amines of the formula (VI) HNR⁷R⁸   (VI)

-   -   where R⁷ and R⁸ each independently have the definitions and         areas of preference specified under formula (I) to compounds of         the formula (VII)     -   where R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently as defined under formula         (IV).

Compounds of the formula (V) in which R¹⁸ is R¹⁹SO₂— can also be converted by reacting with complex hydrides of the formula (VIII) Met¹(AIR²⁰ _(n)R²¹ _((4-n)))   (VIII)

-   -   where Met¹ is lithium, sodium or potassium, preferably lithium,     -   R²⁰ is hydrogen     -   n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 4 and     -   R²⁰ is C₁-C₄-alkyl,     -   or by reacting organolithium compounds of the formula (IX)         R²⁰—Li   (IX)     -   where R²⁰ is C₁-C₂₀-alkyl, C₁-C₂₀-fluoroalkyl, C₂-C₂₀-alkenyl,         C₄-C₂₄-aryl, C₅-C₂₅-arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₆-arylalkenyl,         -(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-OR⁸, -(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-NR⁷R⁸ or protected (for         example as a cyclic acetal) -(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-CO—R⁸ to compounds of         the formula (X)     -   where R²⁰ is as defined under formulae (VIII) and (IX).

As a consequence of the acidity of the free 2- and 3-hydroxyl groups, it is advantageous to use an excess of the organolithium compounds or of the complex hydrides or to protect the 3,4-diol unit in a manner known per se by conversion, for example, to a cyclic acetal, and subsequently deprotecting it again.

The compounds of the formulae (V), (VII) and (X) together are encompassed by the compounds of the formula (XI), which can be used as intermediates for preparing the compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention.

In formula (XI)

-   -   R¹ and R² each have the same definition and areas of preference         as described under formula (I).

The compounds of the formula (XI) can be used in a manner known in principle (see also Rajan Babu, J. Org. Chem., 1997, 62, 6012-6028), by reacting with compounds of the formula (XIIa) R³R⁴P—Y   (XIIa)

-   -   where R³ and R⁴ each have the same definition and areas or         preference as specified under formula (I) and     -   Y is chlorine, bromine, iodine, dimethylamino or diethylamino,         preferably chlorine,     -   to obtain the compounds of the formula (XIII)     -   where R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ each have the same definition and areas         of preference as described under formula (I).

The compounds of the formula (XIII) can also be reacted with compounds of the formula (XIIb) R⁵R⁶P—Y   (XIIb)

-   -   where R⁵ and R⁶ each have the same definitions and areas of         preference as specified under formula (I) and Y has the same         definition and areas of preference as specified under formula         (XIIa)     -   to give compounds of the formula (XIV)     -   where R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ each have the same definitions         and areas of preference as specified under formula (I).

When compound (XIIa) and (XIIb) are identical, the reaction can also be carried out in one step. Advantageously, the conversions of (XI) to (XIV), (XI) to (XIII) or (XIII) to (XIV) are carried out in the presence of a base, for example amines or aromatic nitrogen bases such as triethylamine, pyridine or 4-dimethylaminopyridine. Alternatively, the conversion can also be effected after at least partial deprotonation of the alcohol functions.

Examples of suitable solvents for the conversions are chlorinated alkanes such as methyl chloride, alkylic hydrocarbons, e.g. hexane, cyclohexane, aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g. toluene, pyridines, benzene, ketones, e.g. acetone, or carboxylic esters, e.g. ethyl acetate, or dialkyl ethers, e.g. THF or MTBE. The solvent used is preferably methylene chloride.

In the manner described, the compounds of the formulae (Ia), (Id), (If), (Ig) and (Ii) in particular with the above-specified definition and areas of preference are obtainable.

The compounds of the formulae (XIII) and (XIV) are likewise encompassed by the invention. The same definitions and areas of preference apply as specified under formula (I).

Compounds of the formula (XV)

-   -   where R¹, R², R⁵, R⁶ and R¹³ each have the definitions and areas         of preference specified under formula (I) can also be prepared         by a process according to the invention by converting compounds         of the formula (XVI)     -   where R¹ and R² have the definition and areas of preference         specified under formula (I), in the presence of compounds of the         formula (XVII)         (R¹³)₂PMet²   (XVII)         where     -   Met² is lithium, sodium or potassium and     -   R¹³ has the definition and areas of preference specified under         formula (I)     -   to compounds of the formula (XVIII)     -   where R¹, R², Met² and R¹³ are each as defined above,     -   and reacting the compounds of the formula (XVIII) with compounds         of the formula (XIIb) as defined there to give compounds of the         formula (XV).

Alternatively, the compounds of the formula (XVII) can be converted by acidifying to compounds of the formula (XIX)

-   -   and then converted by reacting with compounds of the formula         (XIIb) to compounds of the formula (XV). This reaction can be         carried out as described for the preparation of the compounds of         the formula (XIV).

The compounds of the formula (XV) include in particular the compounds of the formulae (Ic), (Ie), (If) and (Ih) preferred according to the invention.

The compounds of the formula (Ib)

can be prepared, for example, in a manner known per se (see also Terfort, Synthesis, 1992, 951-953) by reacting compounds of the formula (XXa)

or compounds of the formula (XXb)

-   -   where R¹ and R² have the definition and areas of preference         specified under formula (I) and R¹⁹ has the definition and areas         of preference specified under formula (VII) initially with         phosphides of the formula (XVII), thus obtaining compounds of         the formula (XXIa) or compounds of the formula (XXIb)         and reacting the compounds of the formula (XXIa) or compounds of         the formula (XXIb) with compounds of the formula (XVII) to give         compounds of the formula (Ib).

When the radicals P(R¹³)₂ in formula (Ib) are identical, the conversion can also be effected in one step.

The compounds of the formulae (XXIa) and (XXIb) are likewise encompassed by the invention.

Some of the compounds of the formula (XXb) are known from the literature (see, for example, Tetrahedron: Asymmetry, 2000, 11, 2899 to 2906). Further compounds of the formulae (XXa) and (XXb) can be prepared in a similar manner to the literature. The compounds of the formula (XXb) are likewise encompassed by the invention as particularly suitable intermediate compounds for preparing compounds of the formula (I).

The invention also encompasses transition metal complexes which contain the compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention.

Transition metal complexes are preferably those of ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, nickel, palladium, platinum and copper, preferably those of ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, nickel, palladium, platinum and copper. The transition metal complexes according to the invention are suitable in particular as catalysts. The invention therefore also encompasses catalysts which contain the transition metal complexes according to the invention.

Useful catalysts are, for example, either isolated transition metal complexes or those transition metal complexes which are obtainable by reacting transition metal compounds and compounds of the formula (I).

Isolated transition metal complexes which contain the compounds of the formula (I) are preferably those in which the ratio of transition metal to compound of the formula (I) is 1:1.

Preference is given to the compounds according to the invention of the formula (XXIII) [(I)L¹ ₂M]  (XXIII)

-   -   where (I) is a compound of the formula (I) with the definition         and areas of preference specified there and     -   M is rhodium or iridium and     -   L¹ is in each case a C₂-C₁₂ alkene, for example ethylene or         cyclooctene, or a nitrile, for example acetonitrile or         benzonitrile or benzyl nitrile, or     -   L¹ ₂ together is a (C₄-C₁₂)-diene, for example         bicyclo[2.1.1]hepta-2,5-diene (norbornadiene) or         1,5-cyclooctadiene.

Compounds of the formula (XXIII) include:

-   [Rh(cod)(2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(triphenylmethyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol)]BF₄,     [Rh(cod)(2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol)]BF₄,     [Rh(cod)(2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-dideoxy-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol)]BF₄     and     [Ir(cod)(2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol)]BF₄.

Preferred transition metal complexes are those which are obtainable by reacting transition metal compounds and compounds of the formula (I).

Suitable transition metal compounds are, for example, those of the formula (XXIIa) M(An¹)_(q)   (XXIIa) where

-   -   M is rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, nickel, palladium, platinum or         copper and     -   An¹ is chloride, bromide, acetate, nitrate, methanesulphonate,         trifluoro-methanesulphonate or acetylacetonate and     -   q is 3 for rhodium, iridium and ruthenium, is 2 for nickel,         palladium and platinum, and is 1 for copper,     -   or transition metal compounds of the formula (XXIIb),         M(An²)_(q)L¹ ₂   (XXIIb)         where     -   M is ruthenium, iridium, ruthenium, nickel, palladium, platinum         or copper and     -   An² is chloride, bromide, acetate, methanesulphonate or         trifluoromethane-sulphonate, tetrafluoroborate or         hexafluorophosphate, perchlorate, hexafluoroantimonate,         tetra(bis-3,5-trifluoromethylphenyl)-borate or tetraphenylborate         and     -   q is 1 for rhodium and iridium, is 2 for ruthenium, nickel,         palladium and platinum, and is 1 for copper,     -   L¹ is in each case a C₂-C₁₂-alkene, for example ethylene or         cyclooctene, or a nitrile, for example acetonitrile,         benzonitrile or benzyl nitrile, or     -   L¹ ₂ together is a (C₄-C₁₂)-diene, for example         bicyclo[2.1.1]hepta-2,5-diene (norbornadiene) or         1,5-cyclooctadiene,     -   or transition metal compounds of the formula (XXIIc)         [ML²An¹ ₂]₂   (XXIIc)         where     -   M is ruthenium and     -   L² is an aryl radical, for example cymene, mesityl, phenyl or         cyclooctadiene, norbornadiene or methylallyl     -   or transition metal compounds of the formula (XXIId),         Met³ _(q)[M(An³)₄]  (XXIId)         where     -   M is palladium, nickel, iridium or rhodium and     -   An³ is chloride or bromide and     -   Met³ is lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium or organic ammonium         and     -   q is 3 for rhodium and iridium, and is 2 for nickel, palladium         and platinum,     -   or transition metal compounds of the formula (XXIIe),         [M(L³)₂]An⁴   (XXIIe)         where     -   M is iridium or rhodium and     -   L³ is (C₄-C₁₂)-diene, for example bicyclo[2.1.1 ]hepta-2,5-diene         (norbornadiene) or 1,5-cyclooctadiene and     -   An⁴ is a noncoordinating or weakly coordinating anion, for         example methane-sulphonate, trifluoromethanesulphonate,         tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, perchlorate,         hexafluoroantimonate,         tetra(bis-3,5-trifluoromethylphenyl)-borate or         tetraphenylborate.

Also suitable as transition metal compounds are, for example, Ni(1,5-cyclooctadiene)₂, Pd₂(dibenzylideneacetone)₃, Pd[PPh₃]₄, cyclopentadienyl₂Ru, Rh(acac)(CO)₂, Ir(pyridine)2(1,5-cyclooctadiene), Cu(phenyl)Br, Cu(phenyl)Cl, Cu(phenyl)I, Cu(PPh3)₂Br, [Cu(CH₃CN)₄]BF₄ and [Cu(CH₃CN)₄]PF₆ or multinuclear bridged complexes, for example [Rh(1,5-cyclooctadiene)Cl]₂, [Rh(1,5-cyclooctadiene)Br]₂, [Rh(ethene)₂Cl]₂ or [Rh(cyclooctene)₂Cl]₂.

The transition metal compounds used are preferably:

-   [Rh(cod)Cl]₂, [Rh(cod)Br]₂, [Rh(cod)₂]ClO₄, [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄,     [Rh(cod)₂]PF₄, -   [Rh(cod)₂]ClO₆, [Rh(cod)₂]OTf, [Rh(cod)₂]BAr₄     (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethyl-phenyl), -   [Rh(cod)₂]SbF₆, RuCl₂(cod), [(cymene)RuCl₂]₂, [(benzene)-RuCl₂]₂, -   [(mesityl)RuCl₂]₂, [(cymene)RuBr₂]₂, [(cymene)Rul₂]₂,     [(cymene)-Ru(BF₄)₂]₂, -   [(cymene)Ru(PF₆)₂]₂, [(cymene)Ru(BAr₄)₂]₂     (Ar=3,5-bistri-fluoromethylphenyl), -   [(cymene)Ru(SbF₆)₂]₂, [Ir(cod)Cl]₂, [Ir(cod)₂]PF₆, [Ir(cod)₂]ClO₄,     [Ir(cod)₂]SbF₆, -   [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄, [Ir(cod)₂]OTf, [Ir(cod)₂]BAr₄     (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl), -   RuCl₃, NiCl₃, RhCl₃, PdCl₂, PdBr₂, Pd(OAc)2,     Pd₂(dibenzylideneacetone)₃, -   Pd(acetyl-acetonate)₂, CuOTf, Cul, CuCl, Cu(OTf)₂, CuBr, Cul, CuBr₂,     CuCl₂, -   Cul₂, [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂, [Rh(nbd)Br]₂, [Rh(nbd)₂]ClO₄, [Rh(nbd)₂]BF₄,     [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆, -   [Rh(nbd)₂]OTf, [Rh(nbd)₂]BAr₄ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoro-methylphenyl), -   [Rh(nbd)₂]SbF₆, RuCl₂(nbd), [Ir(nbd)₂]PF₆, [Ir(nbd)₂]ClO₄,     [Ir(nbd)₂]SbF₆, -   [Ir(nbd)₂]BF₄, [Ir(nbd)₂]OTf, [Ir(nbd)₂]BAr₄     (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethyl-phenyl), -   Ir(pyridine)₂(nbd), [Ru(DMSO)₄Cl₂], [Ru(CH₃CN)₄Cl₂],     [Ru—(PhCN)₄Cl₂], -   [Ru(cod)Cl₂]_(n), [Ru(cod)₄(methallyl)₂], [Ru(acetylacetonate)₃].

Still greater preference is given to [Rh(cod)Cl]₂, [Rh(cod)Br]₂, [Rh(cod)₂]ClO₄, [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄, [Rh(cod)₂]PF₄, [Rh(cod)₂]ClO₆, [Rh(cod)₂]OTf, [Rh(cod)₂]BAr₄ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl), [Rh(cod)₂]SbF₆, [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂, [Rh(nbd)Br]₂, [Rh(nbd)₂]ClO₄, [Rh(nbd)₂]BF₄, [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆, [Rh(nbd)₂]OTf, [Rh(nbd)₂]BAr₄ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl), [Rh(nbd)₂]SbF_(6,) [Ir(cod)Cl]₂, [Ir(cod)₂]PF₆, [Ir(cod)₂]ClO₄, [Ir(cod)₂]SbF₆, [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄, [Ir(cod)₂]OTf, [Ir(cod)₂]BAr₄ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl).

The amount of the transition metal compounds used may, for example, be 25 to 200 mol %, based on the chiral diphosphorus compound of the general formula (I) used, preferably 50 to 150 mol %, very particularly preferably 75 to 125 mol % and even more preferably 100 to 115 mol %.

The catalysts which contain the transition metal complexes according to the invention are suitable in particular for use in a process for preparing stereoisomerically enriched, preferably enantiomerically enriched, compounds.

Preference is given to using the catalysts for asymmetric 1,4-additions, asymmetric hydroformylations, asymmetric hydrocyanations, asymmetric Heck reactions and asymmetric hydrogenations, more preferably for asymmetric hydrogenations.

Preferred asymmetric hydrogenations are, for example, hydrogenations of prochiral C═C bonds for example prochiral enamines, olefins, enol ethers, C═O bonds, for example prochiral ketones, and C═N bonds, for example prochiral imines. Particularly preferred asymmetric hydrogenations are hydrogenations of prochiral C═C bonds, for example prochiral enamines, olefins, and C═N bonds, for example prochiral imines.

The invention therefore also encompasses a process for preparing stereoisomerically enriched, preferably enantiomerically enriched, compounds by catalytic hydrogenation of olefins, enamines, enamides, imines or ketones, which is characterized in that the catalysts used are those which contain the transition metal complexes of compounds of the formula (I) as defined there. The amount of the transition metal compound or of the transition metal complex used may, for example, be 0.001 to 5 mol %, based on the substrate used, preferably 0.001 to 0.5 mol %, very particularly preferably 0.001 to 0.1 mol % and even more preferably 0.001 to 0.008 mol %.

In a preferred embodiment, asymmetric hydrogenations can be carried out, for example, in such a manner that the catalyst is obtained for a transition metal compound and compound of the formula (I), optionally in a suitable solvent, the substrate is added and the reaction mixture is placed under hydrogen pressure at room temperature.

The metal compounds used for asymmetric hydrogenations are particularly preferably those of the general formula (XXIV) [M(L³)₂]An⁴   (XXIV)

-   -   where M is rhodium or iridium, and L3 and An are as defined         above,     -   or dinuclear complexes, for example [Rh(1,5-cyclooctadiene)Cl]₂,         [Rh(1,5-cyclooctadiene)Br]₂, [Rh(ethene)₂Cl]₂,         [Rh(cyclooctene)₂Cl]₂.

Particularly preferred metal compounds for asymmetric hydrogenations are [Rh(cod)₂]OTf, [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄, [Rh(cod)₂]PF₆, [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆, [Rh(nbd)₂]BF₄, and [Rh(norbornadiene)₂]OTf, [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ and [Ir(cod)₂PF₆].

In a particularly preferred embodiment, transition metal compound and compound of the formula (I) are dissolved in degassed solvent in a baked-out glass autoclave. The mixture is stirred for approx. 5 min and the substrate is subsequently added in degassed solvent. After setting a particular temperature, hydrogenation is effected under elevated H₂ pressure.

Suitable solvents for asymmetric catalysis are, for example, chlorinated alkanes such as methyl chloride, short-chain C₁-C₆-alcohols, e.g. methanol, isopropanol or ethanol, aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g. toluene or benzene, ketones, e.g. acetone, or carboxylic esters, e.g. ethyl acetate.

The asymmetric catalysis is advantageously carried out at a temperature of −20° C. to 200° C., preferably 0 to 100° C. and more preferably 20° to 70° C.

The hydrogen pressure may, for example, be 0.1 to 200 bar, preferably 0.5 to 100 bar and more preferably 1 to 70 bar.

The catalysts according to the invention are suitable in particular in a process for preparing stereoisomerically enriched, preferably enantiomerically enriched, active ingredients in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, or intermediates of these two classes.

The advantage of the present invention is that the ligands can be prepared in an efficient manner and their electronic and steric properties are variable to a high degree starting from readily available reactants. The ligands according to the invention and their transition metal complexes, especially in asymmetric hydrogenations of C═C bonds and imines, also exhibit turnover frequencies (TOFs) of over 1000/h, which are well above those of comparable systems.

The invention is further illustrated but is not intended to be limited by the following examples in which all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLES Example 1

1,6-Di-O-(triphenylmethyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B1): a mixture of 2.35 g (14.33 mmol) of 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol and 8.79 g (31.53 mmol) of triphenyl-methyl chloride in 38 ml of pyridine was stirred at 100° C. for 12 hours. After cooling, the mixture was diluted with CH₂Cl₂, and washed with aq.HCl (0.78 mol/l), the organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by means of column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate 2:1). Yield: 5.57 g (60% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHCl₃) δ, 7.60-7.03 (m, 15H, Ph), 4.12 (m, 1H, H-2), 3.96 (m, 1H, H-3), 3.45 (dd,1H, J_(6,2)=3.9 Hz, J_(6,6′)=10.2 Hz, H-6), 3.39 (sa,1H, OH), 3.22 (dd, 1H, J_(6′,2)=4.2 Hz, J_(6′,6)=10.2 Hz, H-6′); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz) δ, 143.31.-127.02 (Ph), 87.31 (C(Ph)₃), 83.63 (C-2), 79.45 (C-3), 64.79 (C-6).

Example 2

1,6-Di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B2): 3 ml (11.66 mmol) of tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride (TBDMPSCl) were added dropwise at 0° C. to a solution of 0.87 g (5.3 mmol) of 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol and 1.5 g (22.28 mmol) of imidazole in 12 ml of anhydrous DMF. The mixture was heated to room temperature and stirred for a further 25 hours, and the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. The mixture was diluted with CH₂Cl₂ and washed with water, the organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by means of column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate 4:1). Yield 1.36 g (40% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.81-7.30 (m, 10H, Ph); 4.25 (m, 1H, H-3); 4.17 (m, 1H, H-2); 4.04 (d, 1H, OH); 3.86 (dd, 1H, J_(6,2)=3.7 Hz, J_(6,6′)=11.1 Hz, H-6); 3.75 (dd, 1H, J_(6′,2)=3.2 Hz, J_(6,6′)=11.1 Hz, H-6′); 1.07 (s, 9H, C(CH ₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz) δ, 136.10-126.99 (Ph), 87.09 (C-2), 79.71 (C-3), 65.52 (C-6), 26.73 (C(CH₃)₃), 19.02 (C(CH₃)₃).

Example 3

1,6-Di-O-(p-toluenesulphonyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B3): 5.33 g (27.945 mmol) of p-toluenesulphonyl chloride were added at 0° C. to a solution of 2.16 g (13.15 mmol) of 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol in 88 ml of pyridine. The mixture was heated to room temperature and stirred for a further 24 hours. The reaction was hydrolysed using ice-water and extracted using CH₂Cl₂, and the combined organic phases were washed with 3N HCl and NaCl. After drying over MgSO₄, the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by means of column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate 1:2). Yield: 3.00 g (48% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 8, 7.82-7.31 (m, 4H, Ph); 4.2-3.9 (m, 4H, H-2,H-3, H-6,H-6′); 2.44 (s, 3H, CH₃); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃) 8,145.05-126.86 (Ph), 80.42 (C-2), 77.32 (C-3), 68.84 (C-6), 21.81 (CH₃).

Example 4

1,6-Dideoxy-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B4): 0.86 g (22.66 mmol) of LiAlH₄ was added to a solution of 3.60 g (7.63 mmol) of B3 in 20 ml of anhydrous THF and stirred at reflux for 2 hours. After cooling, Arberlite® IR-120(plus) was added and stirring was continued until hydrogen evolution had ended. The mixture was filtered through Celite® and the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by means of column chromatography (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH=12:1). Yield: 0.84 g (84% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 3.84 (m, 1H, H-2), 3.64 (m, 1H, H-3), 1.27 (d, 1H, J_(6,2)=6 Hz, H-6); ³C NMR (100.6 MHz; CDCl₃) δ, 84.18 (C-2), 79.29 (C-3), 19.61 (C-6).

Example 5

2,3-bis-O-(Diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(triphenylmethyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B5). 0.61 ml (4.4 mmol) of anhydrous Et₃N was added to a solution of 0.63 g (1.0 mmol) of B1 in 5 ml of anhydrous, degassed CH₂Cl₂. At −15° C., a solution of 0.39 ml (2.2 mmol) of diphenylchlorophosphine in 3 ml of CH₂Cl₂ was slowly added dropwise. After stirring at −15° C. for 15 minutes, ethyl ether was added, the salts were filtered off through Celite® and the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by means of column chromatography under argon (hexane/ethyl acetate 15:1). Yield 0.51 g (51% of theory). [α]D=+0.4 (c 1.04, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHCl₃) δ, 760.-7.02 (m, 25H, Ph), 4.62 (m, 1H, H-3), 4.29 (m, 1H, H-2), 3.198 (d, 2H, J_(6,2)=5.6 Hz, H-6,H-6′); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz) δ, 144.33-127.06 (Ph), 86.901 (C(Ph)₃), 86.14 (m, C-3), 83.51 (m, C-2), 64.25 (s, C-6); ³¹P NMR (161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 116.23 (s). Anal calcd for C₆₈H₅₈O₅P₂: C, 80.29; H, 5.74; found C, 79.99; H, 5.72.

Example 6

2,3-bis-O-(Diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B6): This product was prepared from B2 at −25° C. in a similar manner to Example 5. Yield: 0.816 g (50%), white oil. [α]D=+9.9 (c 1.8, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.81-7.02 (m, 20H, Ph), 4.88 (m, 1H, H-3), 4.18 (m, 1H, H-2), 3.76 (dd, 1H, JH-6), 3.63 (d, 1H, H-6′); 1.02 (s, 9H, C(CH ₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 144.02-126.10 (Ph), 86.14 (m, C-3), 83.51 (m, C-2), 64.25 (s, C-6), 26.79 (C(CH₃)₃), 19.26 (C(CH₃)₃); ³¹P NMR (161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 116.23 (s). Anal calcd for C₆₂H₆₆O₅P₂Si₂: C, 73.78; H, 6.59; found C, 73.65; H, 6.57.

Example 7

2,3-bis-O-(Diphenylphosphino)-1,6-dideoxy-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B7): This product was prepared from B4 in a similar manner to Example 5. Yield: 58% of theory. [α]D=−20.4 (c 1.04, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 8,7.60-7.02 (m, 10H, Ph), 4.26 (m, 1H, H-3), 4.12 (m, 1H, H-2), 1.21 (d, 3H, J_(6,2)=6.4 Hz, H-6); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 142.12-127.08 (Ph), 90.74 (m, C-2), 78.35 (m, C-3), 19.15 (s, C-6); ³¹P NMR ( 161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 114.39 (s). Anal calcd for C₃₀H₃₀O₃P₂: C, 71.99; H, 6.04; found C, 72.22; H, 6.06.

Example 8

1,6-di-O-(Triphenylmethyl)-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol (B8): This product was prepared starting from 2,5-anhydro-L-iditol in a similar manner to Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHCl₃) δ, 7.60-7.02 (m, 15H, Ph), 4.42 (m, 1H, H-2), 4.25 (m, 1H, H-3), 3.48 (dd, 1H, J_(6,2)=5.4 Hz, J_(6,6′)=9.6 Hz, H-6), 3.40 (dd, 1H, J_(6′,2)=3.8 Hz, J_(6′6)=9.8 Hz, H-6′); 3.24 (sa, 1H, OH), ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz) δ, 143.20.-127.01 (Ph), 87.20 (C(Ph)₃), 78.78 (C-2), 78.65 (C-3), 62.78 (C-6).

Example 9

1,6-di-O-(tert-Butyidiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol (B9): This product was prepared starting from 2,5-anhydro-L-iditol in a similar manner to Example 2. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.81-7.32 (m, 10H, Ph); 4.26 (m, 1H, H-2); 4.38 (m, 1H, H-3); 4.07 (d, 1H, J_(6,2)=4.4 Hz, J_(6,6′)=10.8 Hz, H-6); 4.05 (d, 1H, J_(6′,2)=3.2 Hz, J_(6′,6)=10.8 Hz, H-6′); 3.99 (d, 1H, OH); 1.06 (s, 9H, C(CH ₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz) δ, 135.52-127.6 (Ph), 79.74 (C-2), 78.95 (C-3), 63.74 (C-6), 26.79 (C(CH₃)₃), 19.19 (C(CH₃)₃).

Example 10

1,6-di-O-(p-toluenesulphonyl)-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol (B10): This product was prepared starting from 2,5-anhydro-L-iditol in a similar manner to Example 3. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.83-7.21 (m, 4H, Ph); 4.42-3.91 (m, 5H, H-2,H-3, H-6,H-6′, OH); 2.44 (s, 3H, CH₃); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃) 6,145.11-127.83 (Ph), 77.83 (C-2), 76.54 (C-3), 67.22 (C-6), 21.82 (CH₃).

Example 11

1,6-Dideoxy-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol (B11):

This product was prepared starting from B10 in a similar manner to Example 4. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 4.22 (m, 1H, H-2), 3.90 (m, 1H, H-3), 1.18 (d, 1H, J_(6,2)=6.6 Hz, H-6); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz; CDCl₃) δ, 79.66 (C-2), 77.30 (C-3), 14.68 (C-6).

Example 12

2,3-bis-O-(Diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(triphenylmethyl)-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol (B12).

This product was prepared starting from B8 in a similar manner to Example 5. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHCl₃) δ, 750.-7.51 (m, 25H, Ph), 4.30 (m,1H, H-2), 4.37 (m, 1H, H-3), 3.48 (dd,1H, J_(6,2)=9.4 Hz, J_(6,6′)=9.4 Hz, H-6); 3.18 (dd,1H, J_(6,2)=5.8 Hz, J_(6′,6)=9.4 Hz, H-6′) ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz) δ, 143.91-126.62 (Ph), 86.77 (C(Ph)₃), 82.64 (m, C-3), 79.654 (d, C-2), 62.82 (s, C-6); ³¹P NMR (161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 114.12 (s).

Example 13

2,3-bis-O-(Diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol (B13):

This product was prepared starting from B9 in a similar manner to Example 5.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.81-7.09 (m, 20H, Ph), 4.51 (m, 1H, H-3), 4.21 (m, 1H, H-2), 3.85 (dd, 1H, J_(6,2)=7.4 Hz, J_(6,6′)=10.0 Hz H-6), 3.72 (dd, 1H, J_(6′,2)=5.8 Hz, J_(6′,6)=10.0 Hz, H-6′), 0.94 (s, 9H, C(CH ₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 135.51-127.43 (Ph), 83.09 (m, C-3), 80.68 (d, C-2), 61.73 (s, C-6), 26.92 (C(CH₃)₃), 19.25 (C(CH₃)₃); ³¹P NMR (161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 115.74 (s).

Example 14

2,3-bis-O-(Diphenylphosphino)-1,6-dideoxy-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol (B14):

This product was prepared starting from B11 in a similar manner to Example 5. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 8,7.63-7.21 (m, 10H, Ph), 4.32 (m, 1H, H-2), 4.23 (m, 1H, H-3), 1.20 (d, 3H, J_(6,2)=6.4 Hz, H-6); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 142.05-127.99 (Ph), 84.97 (m, C-3), 76.02 (m, C-2), 15.18 (s, C-6); ³¹P NMR (161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 114.05 (s).

Example 15

[Rh(cod)(B5)]BF₄ (B15): 0.030 g (0.073 mmol) of [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄ was dissolved in 10 ml of CH₂Cl₂. A solution of 0.090 g (0.088 mmol) of compound B5 in 3 ml CH₂Cl₂ was added to the solution and the resulting solution was stirred for 30 min. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the crude product was washed with anhydrous hexane and with ethyl ether. Yield: 0.042 g (43% of theory).

[α]D=+119.41 (c 1.05, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.60-7.02 (m, 25H, Ph), 5.36 (m, 1H, H-3), 4.70 (m, 2H, CH(cod)); 4.47 (m, 1H, H-2), 3.58 (dd, 1H, J_(6,2)=2.8 Hz, J_(6,6′)=10.8 Hz, H-6), 3.18 (dd, 1H, J_(6,2)=3.2 Hz, J_(6,6′)=10.8 Hz, H-6′); 2.42-2.00 (m, 4H, CH₂(cod)); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz) δ, 144.10-126.05 (Ph, cod), 87.00 (C(Ph)₃), 82.67 (s, C-3), 82.45 (m, C-2), 63.33 (s, C-6); ³¹P NMR (161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 122.61 (d, J_(P,Rh)=166.18 Hz)).

Example 16

[Rh(cod)(B6)]BF₄ (B16): This complex was prepared from B6 in a similar manner to Example 15. Yield: 68% of theory.

[α]D=(c, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.82-7.21 (m, 20H, Ph), 5.24 (m, 1H, H-3), 4.77 (m, 1H, CH(cod)); 4.67 (m, 1H, CH(cod)); 4.19 (m, 1H, H-2), 3.85 (dd, 1H, J_(6,2)=2.4 Hz, J_(6,6′)=11.6 Hz, H-6), 3.69 (dd, 1H, J_(6′,2)=3.2 Hz, J_(6,6′)=11.6 Hz, H-6′); 2.41-2.20 (m, 4H, CH₂(cod)); 1.04 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 134.10-126.07 (Ph, cod), 82.53 (m, C-2), 81.23 (s, C-3), 63.13 (s, C-6), 26.95 (C(CH₃)₃), 19.44 (C(CH₃)₃); 31P NMR (161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 125.136 (d, J_(P,Rh)=167.97 Hz).

Example 17

[Rh(cod)(B7)]BF₄ (B17): This complex was prepared starting from B7 in a similar manner to Example 15. Yield: 55% of theory.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.81-7.42 (m, 10H, Ph), 4.73 (m, 1H, CH(cod)); 4.64 (m, 1H, CH(cod));4.39 (m, 1H, H-3), 3.91 (m, 1H, H-2), ); 2.61-2.20 (m, 4H, CH₂(cod)); 1.13 (d, 3H, J_(6,2)=6.0 Hz, H-6); ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 133.15-128.03 (Ph, cod), 85.76 (s, C-3), 75.68 (m, C-2), 18.64 (s, C-6); ³¹P NMR (161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 127.39 (d, J_(P,Rh)=169.42 Hz).

Example 18

[Ir(cod)(B6)]BF₄ (B18): A solution of 102 mg (0.1 mmol) of compound B6 in 2 ml of CH₂Cl₂ was added dropwise to a solution cooled to −80° C. of 40 mg (0.08 mmol) of [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ in 2 ml CH₂Cl₂. The resulting yellow solution was heated to 0° C. and stirred for a further 15 minutes. The solvent was partly removed under reduced pressure, 30 ml of ethyl ether were added and the solids were filtered off and washed. Yield: 98.6 mg, 86% of theory.

¹H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.44-7.24 (m, 50H, CH arom), 5.35 (m, 2H, CH), 5.17 (m, 1H, CH); 4.52 (m, 2H, CH); 4.41 (m, 4H, CH₂); 3.60 (dd, J=2.6 Hz, J=10.4 Hz, 2H, CH₂), 3.21 (dd, J=2.6 Hz, J=10.4 Hz, 2H, CH₂), 2.42 (m, 2H, cod), 2.21 (m, 2H,), 2.06 (m, 2H), 1.67 (m, 2H). ¹³C NMR (100.6 MHz) δ, 143.6 (C arom.), 132.4 (s, arom); 32.0 (s, arom); 131.7 (t, arom.), 131.2 (t, arom.), 129.1 (m, arom.), 128.7 (m, arom.), 128.68 (s, CH arom.), 128.1 (s, CH arom.), 127.4 (s, CH arom), 95.5 (s, CH), 83.3 (s, CH), 87.2 (s, C), 83.1 (s, CH), 82.4 (s, CH), 63.7 (CH₂), 31.3 (s, CH₂), 31.1 (s, CH₂). ³¹P NMR (161.9 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 104.6.

Examples 19-41

Rhodium-catalysed hydrogenation of enamides and methyl itaconate In a glass autoclave, 6.1 mg (0.015 mmol) of [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄ were dissolved in 15 ml of degassed CH₂Cl₂, 0.016 mmol of ligand and 1 mmol of substrate were added under nitrogen and hydrogenation was effected at room temperature and 1 atm of hydrogen pressure. Conversion and ee were determined by gas chromatography.

Substrates:

The results of the hydrogentations are compiled in Table 1. TABLE 1 Exam- Sub- Li- Solution t Subst/ % % ee ples strate gand (ml) (min) Rh (mol) conv. (R/S) 19 S1 B5 CH₂Cl₂ 15 5 100 100 62(R) 20 S1 B5 CH₂Cl₂ 15 35 500 93 67(R) 21 S1 B5 CH₂Cl₂ 15 10 250 100 65(R) 22 S1 B5 MeOH 15 15 500 63 73(R) 23 S1 B5 acetone 15 15 500 99 75(R) 24 S1 B5 THF 15 15 500 36 63(R) 25 S1 B5 toluene/ 15 500 59 65(R) MeOH 15 26 S1 B6 CH₂Cl₂ 15 5 100 95 70(R) 27 S1 B6 CH₂Cl₂/ 5 100 100 85(R) acetone 2:13 28 S1 B6 CH₂Cl₂/ 5 100 100 87(R) acetone 2:13 29 S1 B6 CH₂Cl₂/ 15 100 100 90(R) acetone 2:13 30 S1 B7 CH₂Cl₂ 15 5 100 100 73(R) 31 S1 B7 CH₂Cl₂/ 5 100 100 79(R) acetone 2:13 32 S2 B5 CH₂Cl₂ 15 10 100 91 59(R) 33 S2 B5 Acetone 15 10 100 91 73(R) 34 S2 B6 CH₂Cl₂ 15 5 100 98 73(R) 35 S2 B6 CH₂Cl₂/ 5 100 96 80(R) acetone 2:13 36 S2 B7 CH₂Cl₂ 15 5 100 100 72(R) 37 S2 B7 CH₂Cl₂/ 5 100 100 75(R) acetone 2:13 38 S3 B5 CH₂Cl₂ 15 15 100 100 48(S) 39 S3 B5 acetone 15 60 100 33 35(S) 40 S3 B6 CH₂Cl₂ 15 15 100 96 48(S) 41 S3 B7 CH₂Cl₂ 15 5 100 96 53(S) Preparation of Phosphine Chlorides:

Examples 42-45

Bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)chlorophosphine (B42): A solution of 2.92 ml (21.61 mmol) of 4-bromo-1,3-dimethylbenzene in 3 ml of Et₂O were added at 0° C. to a suspension of 0.5 g (20.56 mmol) of magnesium turnings in 7 ml of THF and 7 ml of Et₂O and also a crystal of iodine. The mixture was heated to room temperature, stirred further overnight and slowly added dropwise at 0° C. to a solution of 1.5 ml (10.31 mmol) of Et₂NPCl₂ in 8 ml of THF. The mixture was heated to room temperature and the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. After adding 60 ml of hexane, the mixture was filtered through Celite under argon and admixed with hydrogen chloride for 1 hour. After degassing, the resulting solids were filtered off under argon and dried. Yield: 1.4 g (58.3% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.40 (d, Jmeta=4.5 Hz, 2H, arom.), 7.2 (m, 4H, arom.), 2.5 (d, J_(PH)=2.0 Hz, 6H, CH₃), 2.4 (s, 6H, CH₃). ³¹P NMR (161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 75.6.

Example 43

Bis-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)chlorophosphine (B43): This product was prepared starting from 5-bromo-1,3-dimethylbenzene in a similar manner to Example 42. Yield: 47.2 % of theory. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.2 (d, 4H, arom.), 7.01 (s, 2H, arom.), 2.37 (s, 12H, CH₃). ³¹P NMR (161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 83.7.

Example 44

Bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)chlorophosphine (B44): This product was prepared starting from 1-bromo-4-methoxybenzene in a similar manner to Example 42. Yield 45% of theory. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.48 (t, Jorto=8.4 Hz, J_(PH)=8.4 Hz, 4H, arom.), 6.88 (d, Jorto=8.4 Hz, 4H, arom.), 3.75 (s, 6H, CH₃O). ³¹P NMR (161.974 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 84.2.

Example 45

Bis-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)chlorophosphine (B45): This product was prepared starting from 1-bromo-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene in a similar manner to Example 42. Yield 66% of theory. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.33 (m, 8H, arom.). ³¹P NMR (161.9 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 76.3.

Preparation of Aminophosphines:

Example 46

(Diethylamino)-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine (B46): A solution of 2.92 ml (21.61 mmol) of 4-bromo-1,3-dimethylbenzene in 3 ml of Et₂O were added at 0° C. to a suspension of 0.5 g (20.56 mmol) of magnesium turnings in 7 ml of THF and 7 ml of Et₂O and also a crystal of iodine. The mixture was heated to room temperature, stirred further overnight and slowly added dropwise at 0° C. to a solution of 1.5 ml (10.31 mmol) of Et₂NPCl₂ in 8 ml of THF. The mixture was heated to 5-10° C., stirred for a further 2 hours and the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. After adding 60 ml of hexane, the mixture was filtered through Celite under argon and the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. Yield: 1.37 g (59% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 6.9 (m, 6H), 3.03 (m, 4H, CH₂), 2.20 (s, 12H, CH₃), 0.81 (t, ³J=7.0 Hz, 6H, CH₃) ³¹P NMR (161.9 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 47.8.

Example 47

(Diethylamino)bis(3,5-dimethylphenyl)phosphine (B47): This product was prepared starting from 5-bromo-1,3-dimethylbenzene in a similar manner to Example 46. Yield 56.8% of theory. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 6.90 (d, 4H, arom.), 6.76 (s, 2H, arom.), 2.95 (m, 4H, CH₂), 2.11 (s, 12H, CH₃), 0.80 (t, ³J=7.0 Hz, 6H, CH₃). ³¹P NMR (161.9 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 61.6.

Example 48

(Diethylamino)bis(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphine (B48): This product was prepared starting from 1-bromo-4-methoxybenzene in a similar manner to Example 46. Yield: 57.2% of theory. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.48 (dd, Jorto=8.8 Hz, J_(PH)=6.4 Hz, 4H, arom.), 6.88 (m, 4H, arom.), 3.81 (s, 6H, CH₃O), 3.06 (q, ³J=7.2 Hz, 2H, CH₂), 0.96 (t, ³J=7.2 Hz, 3H, CH₃). ³¹P NMR (161.9 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 59.5.

Example 49

(Diethylamino)bis(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphine (B49): This product was prepared starting from 1-bromo-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene in a similar manner to Example 46. Yield: 61.4% of theory. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.39 (m, 8H, arom.), 2.92 (m, 4H, CH₂), 0.82 (t, ³J=7.0 Hz, 3H, CH₃). ³¹P NMR (161.9 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 61.5.

Preparation of Biphosphorus Compounds

Example 50

2,3-bis-O-(Di(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B50):

A mixture of 100 mg (0.156 mmol) of 1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B2) and 109 mg (0.343 mmol) of diethylaminobis(p-methoxybenzene)phosphine (B48) in 2.2 ml of anhydrous toluene was stirred at 112° C. overnight. After cooling, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the crude product was purified by means of column chromatography. Yield: 40 mg (22.7% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, C₆D₆) δ, 7.93 (m, 8H, arom.), 7.67 (m, 8H, arom.), 7.26 (m, 12H, arom.), 6.84 (m, 8H, arom.), 5.38 (dd, J=7.9 Hz, J=4 Hz, 2H, CH), 4.59 (m, 2H, CH), 4.09 (dd, J=10.9 Hz, J=4.2 Hz, 2H, CH₂), 3.99 (dd, J=10.9 Hz, J=4.2 Hz, 2H, CH₂), 3.37 (s, 6H, CH₃O), 3.35 (s, 6H, CH₃O),1.32 (s, 9H, CH₃),1.27 (s, 9H, CH₃). ³P NMR (161.9 MHz, C₆D₆) δ, 116.3.

Example 51

2,3-bis-O-(Di((4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B51):

This product was prepared starting from 1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B2) and (diethylamino)bis(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphine (B49) in a similar manner to Example 50. Yield: 40 mg (28% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, C₆D₆) δ, 7.9 (m, 2H, arom.), 7.85 (m, 4H, arom.), 7.74 (m, 2H, arom.), 7.40-7.29 (m, 26H, arom.), 7.0 (m, 2H, arom), 5.36 (m, 2H, CH), 4.41 (m, 2H, CH), 4.02 (dd, J=11.4 Hz, J=3.5 Hz, 2H, CH₂), 3.79 (dd, J=11.4 Hz, J=3.5 Hz, 2H, CH₂),1.28 (s, 9H, CH₃). ³P NMR δ, (161.9 MHz, C₆D₆) 111.5.

Example 52

2-O-(Di(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B52):

A solution of 337 mg (1.219 mmol) of bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-chlorophosphine (B46) in 2 ml of anhydrous THF was added to a solution of 300 mg (0.468 mmol) of 1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B2) and 0.26 ml of anhydrous Et₃N (1.86 mmol), and stirred at room temperature overnight. After adding ethyl ether, the mixture was filtered through Celite, solvent removed under reduced pressure and the crude product purified by means of column chromatography. Yield: 180 mg (45% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.59-6.87 (m, 26H, arom.), 4.47 (m, 1H, CH), 4.31 (m, 1H, CH), 3.99 (m, 2H, CH), 3.69 (m, 3H, CH₂), 3.54 (dd, 1H, CH₂), 2.79 (s, OH), 2.30 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.17 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.11 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.06 (s, 3H, CH₃), 0.96 (s, 9H, CH₃), 0.94 (s, 9H, CH₃). ¹³C NMR (75.4 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 138.1-127.6 (CH, C, arom.), 86.0 (²J_(C-P)=18 Hz, CH), 84.9 (CH), 83.9 (³J_(C-P)=6.13 Hz, CH), 78.0 (²J_(C-P)=4.5 Hz, CH CH), 64.7 (CH₂), 64.1 (CH₂), 27.1 (CH₃), 27.0 (CH₃), 21.4 (C), 20.5 (d, ³J=48.4 Hz, CH₃), 20.3 (d, ³J=48.4 Hz, CH₃), 19.6 (s, CH₃), 19.5 (s, CH₃). ³¹P NMR (161.9 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 102.9.

Example 53

2-O-(2,4-dimethylphenylphosphino)-3-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B53):

A solution of 0.0125 ml (0.066 mmol) of chlorodiphenylphosphine was added to a solution of 58 mg (0.06 mmol) of 2-O-(2,4-dimethylphenyl-phosphino)-1,6-dideoxy-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B52) and 0.032 ml (0.23 mmol) of anhydrous Et₃N in 0.5 ml of anhydrous THF. The mixture was heated to room temperature and stirred further overnight. After adding degassed, anhydrous hexane, the mixture was filtered through Celite, the solvent removed under reduced pressure and the crude product purified by means of column chromatography. Yield 29.4 mg (45.9% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 7.67-6.91 (m, 36H, arom.), 4.8 (m, 2H, CHx2), 4.15 (m, 2H, CHx2), 3.73 (m, 2H, CH₂), 3.59 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.25 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.23 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.19 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.14 (s, 3H, CH₃), 1.1 (s, 9H, CH₃), 1 (d, 9H, CH₃). ³¹P NMR (161.9 MHz, C₆D₆) δ, 114.1,102.7.

Example 54

2-O-(2,4-Dimethylphenylphosphino)-3-O-(4,8-di-tert-butyl-2,10-dimethyl-12H-dibenzo[δ,γ][1,3,2]dioxaphosphocino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B54):

A solution of 100 mg (0.52 mmol) of 4,8-di-tert-butyl-6-chloro-2,10-dimethyl-12h-dibenzo[δ,γ][1,3,2]dioxaphosphocine and 0.100 ml (1.23 mmol) of anhydrous pyridine in 1 ml of anhydrous toluene was added dropwise at 0° C. to a solution of 178 mg (0.202 mmol) of 2-O-(2,4-dimethylphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B52) and 0.100 ml (1.23 mmol) of anhydrous pyridine in 1 ml of anhydrous toluene. The mixture was heated to room temperature and stirred further overnight. After adding degassed, anhydrous hexane, the mixture was filtered through Celite, the solvent removed under reduced pressure and the crude product purified by means of column chromatography. Yield 100 mg (39.6% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, C₆D₆) δ, 7.97-6.38 (m, 30H, arom.), 5.50 (m, 1H, CH), 5.21 (m, 1H, CH), 4.83 (m, 1H, CH), 4.53 (d, J=10.4 Hz,1H, CH₂), 4.50 (m, 3H, CH, CH₂), 4.39 (dd,1H, J=10.8 Hz, J=5.59 Hz, CH₂), 4.15 (dd, 1H, J=10.8 Hz, J=5.59 Hz, CH₂), 3.3 (d, J=10.4 Hz,1H, CH₂), 2.59 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.51 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.15 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.12 (s, 6H, CH₃), 2.1 (s, 3H, CH₃),1.54 (s, 9H, CH₃),1.53 (s, 9H, CH₃),1.36 (s, 9H, CH₃), 1.32 (s, 9H, CH₃). ³¹P NMR (161.9 MHz, C₆D₆) δ, 128.8, 103.6.

Example 55

2-O-(2,4-Dimethylphenylphosphino)-3-O-(2,10-dimethyl-4,8-bis(1-methylcyclohexyl)-12H-dibenzo[δ,γ][1,3,2]dioxaphosphocino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B55):

This product was prepared starting from 2-O-(2,4-dimethylphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (B52) and 6-chloro-2,10-dimethyl-4,8-bis(1-methylcyclohexyl)-12H-dibenzo[δ,γ][1,3,2]-dioxaphosphocine in a similar manner to Example 54. Yield 71 mg (32.4% of theory). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, C₆D₆) δ, 7.99-6.3 (m, 30H, arom.), 5.44 (m, 1H, CH), 5.14 (m, 1H, CH), 4.81 (m,1H, CH), 4.57 (dd, J=10.7 Hz, J=4.5 Hz,1H, CH₂), 4.53 (m,1H, CH, CH₂), 4.41 (dd,1H, J=10.7 Hz, J=4.5 Hz, CH₂), 4.29 (dd,1H, J=10.8 Hz, J=5.0 Hz, CH₂), 4.18 (dd, 1H, J=10.8 Hz, J=5.0 Hz, CH₂), 3.3 (d, J=12.7 Hz,1H, CH₂), 2.59 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.52 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.24 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.22 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.18 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.17 (s, 3H, CH₃),1.68-1.57 (m, CH₂),1.48 (s, 3H, CH₃),1.47 (s, 3H, CH₃),1.36 (s, 9H, CH₃),1.33 (s, 9H, CH₃). ³¹P NMR (161.9 MHz, CDCl₃) δ, 128.7, 105.3. Iridium-Catalysed Hydrogenation of Imines and Enamides

Examples 56-78

0.01 Molar equivalent of transition metal compound and 0.012 molar equivalent of ligand were dissolved under argon in degassed CH₂Cl₂ (0.015 M) and stirred at room temperature for ½ hour. After adding one molar equivalent of substrate in degassed CH₂Cl₂ (0.15 M) under argon, the mixture obtained was hydrogenated in an autoclave at the appropriate temperature under hydrogen pressure. Conversion and ee were determined by chromatography. Ligands:

Substrates:

The results of the hydrogenations are compiled in Table 2. TABLE 2 Metal T P Time Substrate/ Conversion ee Examples Substrates Ligand precursor Additive (° C.) (bar) (h) metal (mol) (%) (%) 56 S4 B6 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ — 25 70 16 100 100 65 57 S4 B51 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ — 25 70 16 100 100 31 58 S4 B50 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ — 25 70 16 100 97 71 59 S4 B50 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ 4% phthalimide 25 70 16 100 99 70 60 S4 B50 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ 4% BzNH₂ 25 70 16 100 41 52 61 S5 B54 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ — 25 70 16 100 86 73 62 S5 B54 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ — 25 70 0.5 100 24 68 63 S5 B54 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ — 0 70 2 100 4 40 64 S5 B54 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ 10% I₂ 0 70 2 100 1 76 65 S5 B54 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ — 50 70 0.5 100 80 61 66 S5 B54 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ 10% phthalimide 25 70 16 100 89 75 67 S5 B54 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ 10% BzNH₂ 25 70 16 100 91 75 68 S5 B55 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ 10% phthalimide 25 70 16 100 63 54 69 S5 B55 [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄ 10% BzNH₂ 25 70 16 100 81 58 70 S6 B6 [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆ — 25 3.5 24 100 100 48 71 S6 B51 [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆ — 25 3.5 24 100 99 6 72 S6 B50 [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆ — 25 3.5 24 100 100 33 73 S6 B53 [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆ — 25 3.5 24 100 98 20 74 S6 B54 [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆ — 25 3.5 24 100 97 22 75 S6 B6 [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆ — 25 3.5 24 100 56 40 76 S6 B51 [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆ — 25 3.5 24 100 89 50 77 S6 B50 [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆ — 25 3.5 24 100 89 28 78 S6 B54 [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄ — 25 3.5 24 100 98 27

Example 79

In an autoclave, 28.1 mg (0.022 mmol) of [Ir(cod)(B6)]BF₄ (B18) and 0.39 g (2 mmol) N-(phenylethylidene)aniline (S4) were dissolved in 10 ml of degassed CH₂Cl₂. The mixture was hydrogenated at room temperature and 50 bar of hydrogen pressure. Conversion and ee were determined by gas chromatography. 99% conversion, 67% ee.

Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be limited by the claims. 

1. Compounds selected from the group consisting of 2,3-bis-O-(Diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(triphenylmethyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol, 2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-dideoxy-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol, 2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol, 2,3-bis-O-(diphenyl-phosphino)-1,6-di-O-(triphenylmethyl)-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol, 2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol, 2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-dideoxy-2,5-anhydro-L-iditol, 2,3-bis-O-(di(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol, 2,3-bis-O-(di((4-Trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-an-hydro-D-mannitol, 2-O-(di(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphino)-3-O-(diphenyl-phosphino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol, 2-O-(di(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphino)-3-O-(4,8-ditert-butyl-2,10-dimethyl-12H-dibenzo-[δ,γ][1,3,2] dioxaphosphocino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol and 2-O-(di(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphino)-3-O-(2,10-dimethyl-4,8-bis(1-methylcyclohexyl)-12H-dibenzo[δ,γ]-[1,3,2]dioxaphosphocino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol.
 2. Compounds of the formula (XXa)

wherein, R¹ and R² may each independently be: hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀-alkyl, C₁-C₂₀-fluoroalkyl, C₂-C₂₀-alkenyl, C₄-C₂₄-aryl, C₅-C₂₅-arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₆-aryl-alkenyl or NR⁷R⁸, OR , —(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-OR⁸, —(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-NR⁷R⁸ or —O₂CR⁸ where R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₅-C₁₄-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₅-aryl, or R⁷ and R⁸ together are a cyclic amino radical having a total of 4 to 20 carbon atoms, or R¹ and R² are each independently radicals of the formula (II) —R⁹—SiR¹⁰R¹¹R¹²   (II) where R⁹ is absent, or is oxygen or methylene and R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently C₁-C₁₂-alkyl, C₅-C₁₅-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₄-aryl.
 3. Transition metal complexes containing compounds comprising compounds of the formula (I),

where *1, *2, *3 and *4 are each independently a stereogenic carbon atom which is in the R- or S-configuration, X¹ and X² are each independently absent or are oxygen and R¹ and R² may each independently be: hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀-alkyl, C₁-C₂₀-fluoroalkyl, C₂-C₂₀-alkenyl, C₄-C₂₄-aryl, C₅-C₂₅-arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₆-aryl-alkenyl or NR⁷R⁸, OR⁸, —(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-OR , —(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-NR⁷R⁸ or —O₂CR⁸ where R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₅-C₁₄-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₅-aryl, or R⁷ and R⁸ together are a cyclic amino radical having a total of 4 to 20 carbon atoms, or R¹ and R² are each independently radicals of the formula (II) —R⁹—SiR¹⁰R¹¹R¹²   (II) where R⁹ is absent, or is oxygen or methylene and R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently C₁-CO₂-alkyl, C₅-C₁₅-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₄-aryl and R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently R¹³, OR¹⁴ or NR⁵R¹⁶ where R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are each independently C₁-C₁₂-alkyl, C₅-C,₅-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₄-aryl, or NR¹⁵R¹⁶ together is a cyclic amino radical having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, or R³ and R⁴ and/or R⁵ and R⁶ in each case together are —O—R¹⁷—O— where R¹⁷ is a radical selected from the group of C₂-C₄-alkylene, 1,2-phenylene, 1,3-phenylene, 1,2-cyclohexylene, 1,1′-ferrocenylene, 1,2-ferrocenylene, 2,2′-(1,1′-binaphthylene), 2,2′-(1,1′)-biphenylene and 1,1′-(diphenyl-2,2′-methylene)-diyl, and the radicals mentioned may optionally be mono- or polysubstituted by radicals selected from the group of fluorine, chlorine, C₁-C₈-alkoxy and C₁-C₈-alkyl.
 4. Transition metal complexes according to claim 3, wherein the transition metal is ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, nickel, palladium, platinum and/or copper.
 5. Transition metal complexes according to claim 3, wherein the molar ratio of transition metal to compounds of Formula 1 is 1:1.
 6. Transition metal complexes according to claim 4, wherein the metal complexes follow formula (XXIII) [(I)L¹ ₂M]  (XXIII) where (I) represents a compound of the formula (I) as defined in claim 3 and M is rhodium or iridium and L¹ is in each case a C₂-C₁₂-alkene or a nitrile or L¹ ₂ together is a (C₄-C₁₂)-diene.
 7. Compounds comprising: [Rh(cod)(2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-di-O-(triphenylmethyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol)]BF₄, [Rh(cod)(2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphos-phino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol)]BF₄, [Rh(cod)(2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphosphino)-1,6-dideoxy-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol)]BF₄ and/or [Ir(cod)(2,3-bis-O-(diphenylphos-phino)-1,6-di-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol)]BF₄.
 8. Transition metal complexes according to claim 3, characterized in that they are obtained by reacting transition metal compounds and compounds comprising compounds of the formula (I),

where *1, *2, *3 and *4 are each independently a stereogenic carbon atom which is in the R- or S-configuration, X¹ and X² are each independently absent or are oxygen and R¹ and R² may each independently be: hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀-alkyl, C₁-C₂₀-fluoroalkyl, C₂-C₂₀-alkenyl, C₄-C₂₄-aryl, C₅-C₂₅-arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₆-aryl-alkenyl or NR⁷R⁸, OR⁸, —(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-OR⁸, —(C₁-C₈-alkyl)-NR⁷R⁸ or —O₂CR⁸ where R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₅-C₁₄-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₅-aryl, or R⁷ and R⁸ together are a cyclic amino radical having a total of 4 to 20 carbon atoms, or R¹ and R² are each independently radicals of the formula (II) —R⁹—SiR¹⁰R¹¹R¹²   (II) where R⁹ is absent, or is oxygen or methylene and R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently C₁-C₁₂-alkyl, C₅-C₁₅-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₄-aryl and R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently R¹³, OR¹⁴ or NR¹⁵R¹⁶ where R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are each independently C₁-C₁₂-alkyl, C₅-C₁₅-arylalkyl or C₄-C₁₄-aryl, or NR¹⁵ R¹⁶ together is a cyclic amino radical having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, or R³ and R⁴ and/or R⁵ and R⁶ in each case together are —O—R¹⁷—O— where R¹⁷ is a radical selected from the group of C₂-C₄-alkylene, 1,2-phenylene, 1,3-phenylene, 1,2-cyclohexylene, 1,1′-ferrocenylene, 1,2-ferrocenylene, 2,2′-(1,1′-binaphthylene), 2,2′-(1,1′)-biphenylene and 1,1′-(diphenyl-2,2′-methylene)-diyl, and the radicals mentioned may optionally be mono- or polysubstituted by radicals selected from the group of fluorine, chlorine, C₁-C₈-alkoxy and C₁-C₈-alkyl.
 9. Transition metal complexes according to claim 8, characterized in that the transition metal compounds comprise: transition metal compounds of the formula (XXIIa) M(An¹)_(q)   (XXIIa) where M is rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, nickel, palladium, platinum or copper and An¹ is chloride, bromide, acetate, nitrate, methanesulphonate, trifluoromethanesulphonate or acetylacetonate and q is 3 for rhodium, iridium and ruthenium, is 2 for nickel, palladium and platinum, and is 1 for copper, or transition metal compounds of the formula (XXIIb), M(An²)_(q)L¹ ₂   (XXIIb) where M is rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, nickel, paladium, platinum or copper and An² is chloride, bromide, acetate, methanesulphonate or trifluoromethanesulphonate, tetrafluoroborate or hexafluorophosphate, perchlorate, hexafluoroantimonate, tetra(bis-3,5-trifluromethylphenyl)borate or tetraphenylborate and q is 1 for rhodium and iridium, is 2 for ruthenium, nickel, palladium and platinum, and is 1 for copper, L¹ is in each case a C₂-C₁₂ alkene or L¹ ₂ together is a (C₄-C₁₂)-diene or transition metal compounds of the formula (XXIIc) [ML²An¹ ₂]₂   (XXIIc) where M is ruthenium and L² is an aryl radical or cyclooctadiene, norbornadiene or methylallyl or transition metal compounds of the formula (XXIId) Met³ _(q)[M(An³)₄]  (XXIId) where M is palladium, nickel, iridium or rhodium and An³ is chloride or bromide and Met³ is lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium or organic ammonium and q is 3 for rhodium and iridium, and is 2 for nickel, palladium and platinum, or transition metal compounds of the formula (XXIIe) [M(L³)₂]An⁴   (XXIIe) where M is iridium or rhodium and L³ is (C₄-C₁₂)-diene and An⁴ is a noncoordinating or weakly coordinating anion or Ni(1,5-cyclooctadiene)₂, Pd₂(dibenzylideneacetone)₃, Pd[PPh₃]₄, cyclopentadienyl₂Ru, Rh(acac)(CO)₂, Ir(pyridine)2(1,5-cyclo-octadiene), Cu(phenyl)Br, Cu(phenyl)Cl, Cu(phenyl)I, Cu(PPh3)₂Br, [Cu(CH₃CN)₄]BF₄ and [Cu(CH₃CN)₄]PF₆ or multinuclear bridged complexes, for example [Rh(1,5-cyclooctadiene)Cl]₂, [Rh(1,5-cyclooctadiene)Br]₂, [Rh(ethene)₂Cl]₂ or [Rh(cyclooctene)₂Cl]₂.
 10. Transition metal complexes according to claim 9, wherein the transition metal compounds comprise: [Rh(cod)Cl]₂, [Rh(cod)Br]₂, [Rh(cod)₂]ClO₄, [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄, [Rh(cod)₂]PF₄, [Rh(cod)₂]ClO₆, [Rh(cod)₂]OTf, [Rh(cod)₂]BAr₄ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl), [Rh(cod)₂]SbF₆, RuCl₂(cod), [(cymene)RUCl₂]₂, [(benzene)RuCl₂]₂, [(mesityl)RUCl₂]₂, [(cymene)RuBr₂]₂, [(cymene)Rul₂]₂, [(cymene)Ru(BF₄)₂]₂, [(cymene)Ru(PF₆)₂]₂, [(cymene)Ru(BAr₄)₂]₂ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl), [(cymene)Ru(SbF₆)₂]₂, [Ir(cod)Cl]₂, [Ir(cod)₂]PF₆, [Ir(cod)₂]ClO₄, [Ir(cod)₂]SbF₆, [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄, [Ir(cod)₂]OTf, [Ir(cod)₂]BAr₄ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl), RuCl₃, NiCl₃, RhCl₃, PdCl₂, PdBr₂, Pd(OAc)2, Pd₂(dibenzylideneacetone)₃, Pd(acetylacetonate)₂, CuOTf, Cul, CuCl, Cu(OTf)₂, CuBr, Cul, CuBr₂, CuCl_(, Cul) ₂, [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂, [Rh(nbd)Br]₂, [Rh(nbd)₂]ClO₄, [Rh(nbd)₂]BF₄, [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆, [Rh(nbd)₂]OTf, [Rh(nbd)₂]BAr₄ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl), [Rh(nbd)₂]SbF₆, RuCl₂(nbd), [Ir(nbd)₂]PF₆, [Ir(nbd)₂]ClO₄, [Ir(nbd)₂]SbF₆, [Ir(nbd)₂]BF₄, [Ir(nbd)₂]OTf, [Ir(nbd)₂]BAr₄ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl), Ir(pyridine)₂(nbd), [Ru(DMSO)₄Cl₂], [Ru(CH₃CN)₄Cl₂], [Ru(PhCN)₄Cl₂], [Ru(cod)Cl₂]_(n), [Ru(cod)₄(methallyl)₂], [Ru(acetylacetonate)₃].
 11. Transition metal complexes according to claim 10, wherein transition metal compounds comprise: [Rh(cod)Cl]₂, [Rh(cod)Br]₂, [Rh(cod)₂]ClO₄, [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄, [Rh(cod)₂]PF₄, [Rh(cod)₂]ClO₆, [Rh(cod)₂]OTf, [Rh(cod)₂]BAr₄ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl), [Rh(cod)₂]SbF₆, [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂, [Rh(nbd)Br]₂, [Rh(nbd)₂]ClO₄, [Rh(nbd)₂]BF₄, [Rh(nbd)₂]PF₆, [Rh(nbd)₂]OTf, [Rh(nbd)₂]BAr₄ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl), [Rh(nbd)₂]SbF₆, [Ir(cod)Cl]₂, [Ir(cod)₂]PF₆, [Ir(cod)₂]ClO₄, [I r(cod)₂]SbF₆, [Ir(cod)₂]BF₄, [I r(cod)₂]OTf, [I r(cod)₂] BAr₄ (Ar=3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl).
 12. Transition metal complexes according to claim 7, wherein the amount of the transition metal compounds used is 25 to 200 mol %, based on the compound according to claim
 3. 13. A process for preparing stereoisomerically enriched compounds comprising providing transition metal complexes of claim
 3. 14. The process according to claim 13, wherein stereoisomerically enriched compounds are obtained by asymmetric 1,4-additions, asymmetric hydroformylations, asymmetric hydrocyanations, asymmetric Heck reactions and asymmetric hydrogenations.
 15. A process for preparing active ingredients in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, or intermediates of these two classes comprising providing stereoisomerically enriched compounds of claim
 12. 16. A process for catalyzing reactions comprising providing metal complexes according to claim
 3. 17. Process for preparing stereoisomerically enriched compounds by catalytic hydrogenations of olefins, enamines, enamides, imines or ketones, 1,4-additions, hydroformylations, hydrocyanations or Heck reactions, comprising providing catalysts comprising transition metal complexes according to claim
 3. 18. Process according to claim 16, wherein the amount of the transition metal complexes used is 0.001 to 5 mol %, based on the weight of the substrate.
 19. Process according to claim 17, wherein the stereoisomerically enriched compounds are obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of olefins, enamides or imines.
 20. Process according to claim 16, wherein the working temperature is −20° C. to 200° C.
 21. Process according to claim 18, wherein the hydrogen pressure is 0.1 to 200 bar.
 22. Catalysts comprising transition metal complexes according to claim
 3. 